Wilson May 2025

“For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:35).

This verse sparked some interesting thoughts as students, aged three to eighteen, studied Mark chapter three this week. Did you ever think that (as believers) we are closer to Jesus than his blood relatives were? Is it encouraging to know that Jesus was not dishonoring his mother by doing his Father’s will? If your parents do not believe in God, are you still supposed to obey them?

This is just a sample of the students’ engagement, as we start each morning with God’s Word and the Rafiki Bible Study. As part of Rafiki’s mission to help people know God, a team of theologians developed these studies so that students of all ages could “learn to think our thoughts after God and walk in His ways,” (David Wells, contributing theologian). These in-depth studies, covering all sixty-six books of the Bible, were originally written for English-speaking Africans. But recently they were re-edited for worldwide use. So the blessing continues to spread!

It is actually our twelveth day back in Kirinyaga—a term used by the Kikuyu people (meaning “the mountain of whiteness”), long before Britannia sailed the waves to colonize the land of Kenya. The area where our Village is located is known by the Maasai as Enkare Nyroboi (“the place of the cool waters”). The poetic words of these ancient tribes describe the many elements of natural beauty found here.

After our last update at the end of March, we flew back to the States for Rafiki’s annual Enrichment conference. This event is a rare opportunity to study, fellowship, and have meetings with our missionary counterparts who serve at the Villages established in nine other countries on the continent. It was a great time of learning, refreshing, and encouragement for all. Shortly after the conference concluded at the Home Office in Florida, our deputation “adventure” commenced. We traveled to several states during April, sharing about the work of Rafiki and forging prayer partnerships with new churches, old friends, and former colleagues.

Fellowshipping at Enrichment with Director of Africa Operations, Erica Robertson

When we arrived back at the Village, we were amazed at the amount of dirt that had been unearthed in our absence! Our Plant Maintenance and Grounds team (PMG) dug deep trenches in order to set the cement foundation for a sports court. This new, all-purpose game surface will be used by the students for basketball, volleyball, tennis, and even pickle ball competitions. With a proper drainage system, the area will be much more functional than the field, which gets quite muddy during the wet seasons. It is also a timely blessing, since “sports science” is one of the education “pathways” the government will be implementing soon. God’s timing is always perfect!

PMG workers “digging deep” to build a sports court

Please pray that

• God will provide more day student sponsors so that we can provide daily Bible study and Christian education to more needy children in the local community.
• the government customs office will quickly release the shipping container of Bibles donated by Crossway Publishers for the 1000’s of Kenyans who are hungry for the Word.
• that our new teachers will continue to grow in confidence and wisdom as they study and present the (Bible-infused) Rafiki curriculum.
• that our 400+ students will each develop a relationship of trust and reliance on God’s strength and sovereignty (Psalm 63:8).

New Teacher leads a lesson on metric weights and conversions

Praises

• Rafiki orphan and 2024 RCCS graduate, Abel Hazina, received his Second Tier Coaching Certification from Ambassadors Football-Kenya (an international soccer ministry).
• One couple committed to student sponsorship, making it possible for needy children from the local community to attend the school.
• Four people are now considering short-term missions trips.
• Five pastors, hundreds of church members, and several young children prayed over our mission efforts.
• 550 people heard about the transformational work of Rafiki.
• 1,252 miles were safely traveled by car, through Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri.

So, how can YOU impact Africa for Christ?

“Coach Abel” receiving coaching certification from Ambassadors Football coaching director, Jean-Paul Seneza

♦ PRAY!

♦ GIVE! Your tax-deductible contributions cover the cost of our basic needs in the field, allowing Rafiki to direct other donations to Orphan Care, day student tuition, and other Village programs.

1. Make a one-time or recurring donation by accessing our webpage: https://RafikiFoundation.org/missionary/theodore-and-crystal-wilson-ii-258
2. or mail your check to:

         Rafiki Foundation, Inc. PO Box 1988, Eustis, FL 32727-1988. (Please specify “Wilsons - Missionary #258 in the memo line.)

♦ GO! It is never too soon (or too late) to serve short-term with Rafiki!

1. Be a part of sharing the Gospel and Christ-centered education with the people of Kenya.
2. There are two more online training sessions scheduled for this year: (May 17 and October 25). Find out more at RafikiFoundation.org, and click on Mission Opportunities.

♦ TELL! If you know of a church, mission board, prayer group, or friend who would like to be involved with this ministry, watch and share this amazing story of God working through one person’s faithful obedience. To view the video, please visit https://RafikiFoundation.org/Rafiki-story.

God carries out His Kingdom purposes through the gifts and abilities of His surrendered servants. We echo the plea of 19th-century poet, Cecil Frances Alexander, who concluded in her hymn “Jesus Calls Us” as follows:

“Jesus calls us: by thy mercies, Savior, may we hear thy call, give our hearts to thine obedience, serve and love thee best of all.”

“Mungu akubariki” (May God bless you) for partnering with us, in any way that He leads you.

We are feeling refreshed and ready for Term 2!

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